North carolina vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 15.3% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #7). Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $62,688 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose North carolina for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Princeton for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 15.3% acceptance); Princeton has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1439).
Princeton graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($110K vs $72K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $62,688); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 42,303 |
| International students | 9% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 99% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do North carolina or Princeton graduates earn more?
Princeton graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $110K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Princeton?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $80,837 at Princeton.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
Duke